REKLUSE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
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Let’s start with what an auto clutch is not—it is not an automatic transmission. You still get the satisfaction of shifting, but you don’t have to constantly worry about the clutch. An auto clutch automatically engages and disengages the clutch—you simply shift into gear, twist the throttle, and go.
It is also not a slipper clutch. Unlike a slipper clutch, which disengages when the throttle is chopped, a properly set up auto-clutch maintains engine braking.
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A rekluse auto clutch allows the rider to start and stop without touching the clutch lever. The clutch lever still remains attached and fully functional at any point in time.
Performance advantages of the auto clutch:
Improved traction
Prevents stalling
Better starts
Faster corners
Quicker Lap Times
More confidence
Engagement: As RPM increases, wedges slide out, EXP disk expands, clutch engages.
Disengagement: When idle speed is reached, the wedges retract, EXP disk contracts, and clutch disengages.
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All Rekluse Auto Clutches can be configured to bump-start the engine in the event your normal starting system fails. However, they cannot be configured for bump-starting on the go like a standard clutch. One must stop the motorcycle and make an adjustment to bump start and then make another adjustment to continue riding once the engine fires. Bump-starting can be done to get you home.
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Absolutely. You can still use the clutch lever to modulate clutch engagement manually. We love the precision you can get through the clutch lever, so we designed our products to preserve that experience for those that love it too.
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You still need to use the clutch lever to shift gears, but you don’t need to feed out the clutch lever when starting from a stop. If you’ve mastered clutchless shifting, you don’t need to touch the clutch lever if you don’t want to.
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If shifting without the clutch lever, it is recommended to “Power Shift” just as you would a regular manual clutch. Even with an auto clutch it can be tough to shift up through the gears if you are under power without chopping the throttle or bumping the clutch lever.
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Rekluse Auto Clutches automatically engage and disengage clutches, not transmissions. One must shift the gears up and down just like in a motorcycle with a manual clutch. The clutch feed and modulation to lock out (full engagement) and the disengagement (to prevent stalling) are automatic. The rider doesn’t have to manually modulate the clutch lever as this is automatic. However, all Rekluse Auto Clutches have the manual clutch lever override feature allowing the rider the choice to use the clutch lever or not.
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It makes stalling your bike virtually impossible.
For the street rider, anti-stall technology means you can sit at a light with your bike in first gear without touching the clutch lever. The light turns green and you just get on the throttle and go. You can even start in second gear and our clutch engages smoothly without lagging or jerking—it just goes.
For the dirt rider, anti-stalling technology means that your bike stays running when you take a tumble over that gnarly log or when you drop the bike in a corner. You just pick up your bike and get going—no exhausting all of your precious energy trying to kick over a hot bike.
It lets you focus.
Low speed maneuverability is improved greatly as the auto-clutch will automatically feed traction to the rear wheel smoothly. This frees the riders mind to focus on bike movements and control.
With your mind off your clutch, you’re free to concentrate on other things like the scenery of that gorgeous mountain highway, negotiating that steep single track, or how to get through that strategic line.
It improves your performance.
Whether you’re after faster lap times or just an epic ride on the open road, our technology gives you a performance advantage. Launch off the start line (or stop light) faster, take corners in a higher gear, and concentrate on more precise throttle control.
It unleashes your skill as a rider.
We constantly hear how our products allow people to ride more efficiently and with more confidence than ever before. Confidence doesn’t have a metric like horsepower or torque, but our clutches deliver more than just improved performance, they help you take your ride to the next level.
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No. Rekluse clutches are more efficient at clutching than the human hand, which means your clutch parts will last as long as stock componentry. In fact, Rekluse clutches are so efficient that they typically last longer than a conventional clutch. The exception to this rule is if the clutch is installed incorrectly and the break-in procedure is not performed.
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No. A slipper clutch is designed to limit wheel hop on deceleration and when downshifting into corners, but it will still stall like a full manual clutch. Auto clutches provide many of the same benefits of a slipper clutch but they are designed to fully engage and disengage based on engine RPM and won’t stall.
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Generally an auto clutch does not have much of a flywheel effect. Because the auto clutch eliminates stalling, which is usually the reason for adding a flywheel weight, most customers choose not to run one. The auto clutch allows you to ride gear tall with greater success, so for many, there is not a need for a flywheel weight once a Rekluse auto clutch is installed. Some choose to use both.
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No modification of your existing clutch parts is necessary with any of our current Rekluse clutches.
Yes, you can return to a stock setup because no modification to your existing clutch parts is necessary. Generally, you can return a bike to stock manual setup in about 30 minutes. With the addition of a manual mode pressure plate, the Rekluse Core EXP can be converted from auto to manual mode and back to auto mode in 5 to 10 minutes.
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The rule of thumb is that if you can change out your clutch plates, you can install any of our Rekluse clutches. Detailed instructions are provided with each kit and there are installation videos on youtube done by Rekluse Motorsports https://www.youtube.com/c/RekluseMotorSports. Technical Support is available Monday-Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm.
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No, the basket sleeves cannot be used with a notched basket. The notches provide an uneven surface resulting in the sleeves being overly stressed which can result in the sleeves cracking and/or breaking. Broken sleeves can cause engine damage and clutch failure. If your basket is notched, it must be replaced.
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DIRT BIKE:
Rekluse clutch systems are designed to work with OEM (motorcycle manufacturer) recommended oils, specifically those that meet JASO MA or MA2 standards. Our in-house oil testing has shown that clutch performance is maximized with oils designed specifically for wet-clutch applications.
Rekluse does NOT recommend the following for use with Rekluse clutch systems:
JASO-MB oils – these are not designed for use with wet clutches
Automotive oils – these can contain friction modifiers that negatively affect clutch performance
STREET BIKE:
Proper clutch function is dependent upon the primary chain case oil viscosity, chemistry, and quality. Use the OE recommended oil or any brand of quality primary oil. Keep up with regular oil changes according to the bike manufacturer’s recommendations. Tired, dirty, or worn primary chaincase oil can hinder clutch performance and may cause excessive clutch drag or noise.
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As with any clutch components, EXP disks wear over time. Here is a document that outlines how to check if your EXP disk is within spec:
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Yes. All Rekluse Auto Clutches are adjustable to suit rider preference and conditions. We’ve discovered that most riders are satisfied with our recommended setup, but they can be easily changed. Refer to your Owner’s Manual or Tuning Guide to adjust the settings to your liking by changing springs, wedges and idle speed. These changes will adjust how hard the clutch engages, and at what RPM it engages. Engine braking will also be affected.
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The small colored springs change the engagement RPM at which the clutch begins engaging.
The larger pressure plate springs (for some models) will change the clamping force on the clutch pack and affect the stiffness of the lever pull. Stiffer springs can help prevent top end slip.
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Periodic checking of your Installed Gap is necessary with your auto clutch. This is a simple process that differs by model, but does not take more than 10 minutes with any Rekluse Clutch. Otherwise only regular oil changes are needed at the same frequency as your OEM clutch. For more information, check out the maintenance videos on our website.
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Installed Gap on z-Start Pro Clutches is the measurement between the pressure plate and the top friction plate. This can be measured with the provided no-go gauges placed 180° (directly across from each other). One gauge should slide in easily and the second gauge should not slide in. Don’t use excessive pressure when inserting the no-go gauges. This can also be checked with two feeler gauges used in the same manner as the no-go gauges. The measurement needs to be 0.030-0.045 inch. (.0762mm – 1.143mm)
The Installed Gap on EXP, Core EXP, RadiusX and RadiusCX is measured by checking Free Play Gain at the clutch lever. Whether using the supplied rubber band or your finger, the lever is allowed to move toward the handle bar when the EXP disc is fully expanded by centrifugal force, cause by the rotation of the clutch when you rev the engine. The expanding disc forces the pressure plate toward the clutch cover, introducing a gain in clutch lever free play (AKA slack in a cable or less pressure on the hydraulic system).
Too much Free Play Gain = Too small of an installed gap
Too little Free Play Gain = Too large of an installed gap